The City of Adelaide recently automated signalised pedestrian crossings throughout the city in response to COVID-19. Research shows that automated pedestrian crossings lead to a significant reduction in vehicle-pedestrian conflicts and Walking SA and the Heart Foundation have received a lot of positive feedback from members of the public who are enjoying the results of this initiative.

Given the support of this ‘pilot’ implementation of automated signalised pedestrian crossings, the Heart Foundation and Walking SA call for the City of Adelaide to make this change permanent.

View statement (PDF)

The call

Letter from Walking SA and Heart Foundation.

7 April 2020

The Right Honourable The Lord Mayor of Adelaide Sandy Verschoor
City of Adelaide GPO Box 2252
ADELAIDE SA 5001

Dear Lord Mayor

Re: Successful implementation of automated pedestrian signalling

The Heart Foundation and Walking SA are the leading organisations in South Australian championing walking and active living for health, transport and recreation.

Our vision is to see more people walking more often.

We would like to commend the City of Adelaide on its recent automation of signalised pedestrian crossings throughout the city. Research shows that automated pedestrian crossings leads to a significant reduction in vehicle-pedestrian conflicts ¹.

We have received positive feedback from members of the public who applaud your initiative in taking this action.

Not only does this automation prioritise the immediate community health concerns relating to COVID-19, it also shows a demonstrable priority for public health more generally by improving the experience of pedestrians. As the environment is improved for pedestrians, more people will choose to walk to their destinations.

Given the acceptance of this ‘pilot’ implementation of automated signalised pedestrian crossings, the Heart Foundation and Walking SA call for the City of Adelaide to make this change permanent.

Along with making this initiative permanent, we see an opportunity to alter signal timing to give pedestrians more walk time. For more information please see Walking SA’s position statement on improving pedestrian signal phasing – https://www.walkingsa.org.au/our-work/position- statements/the-green-man/

More people walking contributes to economic vitality, a carbon neutral state, reduces congestion, builds social cohesion, and promotes our state as a great place to visit and live. It also reduces burden on our health system by reducing individuals’ risk of chronic disease and promoting mental wellbeing.

If you would like further information please contact the Walking SA Executive Director at office@walkingsa.org.au.

Yours sincerely

Imelda Lynch Chief Executive SA/NT Heart Foundation

Tuesday Udell Chairperson Walking SA